"He fought when hope was fading"- Cricket fraternity reacts as Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :August 24, 2025 at 3:49 PM

Modified at :August 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Cricket fraternity reacts as Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement

Cheteshwar Pujara scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 for India in tests.

Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, on Sunday (24th August), announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The batter ends his career as one of the best test batters of this generation, with over 7000 runs to his name.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who was called Wall 2.0, filled the void left by Rahul Dravid perfectly. He was the mainstay of the Indian batting lineup in the last decade as he played some of the iconic knocks, helping his team register famous wins both at home and overseas.

Pujara, who batted at three, was rock solid for India with the bat in the tests. In home conditions, he was a player whom the opposition always found tough to dismiss. His rock-solid blocking approach in the overseas conditions made the bowlers tired and allowed the other batters to take on the approach.

Pujara’s last outing for India came in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final. But since he has been out, India have failed to find a perfect replacement for him, highlighting the kind of impact that he made while batting at three.

Being the only Indian batter to play 500 balls in an innings, Pujara was the major reason for the team’s two historic wins in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. In both series the series in 2018-19 and 2020-21, he played a massive role, scoring crucial runs in crucial phases.

Pujara played 103 games for India, slamming 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties. In home conditions, he hammered 3839 at an average of 52.58.

Cricket fraternity reacts as Cheteshwar Pujara retires from Indian Cricket

As Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from Indian cricket, the cricket fraternity lauded the batter for his incredible career. Here are some of the reactions.

Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3.You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played.Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in… pic.twitter.com/p0mWKfD9zm
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant's instagram story — Rishabh Pant’s instagram story

Your grit has always spoken before your name @cheteshwar1 Big congratulations on a wonderful career. Your aggression was visible in your defence and you’ve made India proud, Pujji. Wishing you the best for second innings.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 24, 2025

From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance. His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for… pic.twitter.com/HsM54bVRVa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2025

Someone who always put his mind, body and soul for the country! Many congratulations on an outstanding career Puji! See you on the other side! @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/gbpscDGFZd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2025

You have been a symbol of everything Indian cricket stands for @cheteshwar1. You were tough, an absolute fighter, you played with class and dignity and everytime you were on the field, you did your best for India. As followers, we could not have asked for more. Indian fans will…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 24, 2025

First of his name, last of his kind. Take a bow on a stellar career @cheteshwar1 🙌🏻 You should be mighty proud of what you achieved donning the India cap. Congratulations and all the best for what's to come 🤗 pic.twitter.com/JURHSo3QIG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2025

Thank you pujji bhai ❤️🇮🇳 @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/xhJs6I67rt
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 24, 2025

Congratulations on a fabulous test career @cheteshwar1 .Your grit ,determination and hardwork was inspiring and you can be very proud of what you have achieved. Best wishes for a memorable second innings. pic.twitter.com/xtQZPnGo2W
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2025

He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji 🇮🇳@cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/0Tj836uoO9
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2025

Congratulations brother @cheteshwar1 for amazing career 🇮🇳🙌! Good luck to you and family 🕉️🙌 https://t.co/eLCAtMr26q
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 24, 2025

Always taught us to never give up without a fight. 🇮🇳Farewell to a true warrior 🫡📸: @BCCI [Cheteshwar Pujara] pic.twitter.com/FUESLj7n7H
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) August 24, 2025

A legend bids adieu. Cheteshwar Pujara, the pride of Saurashtra, played the game with grit, grace & greatness. Over 100 Tests, countless memories.Thank you for inspiring Game. @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/WxT4Ld2UVX
— Saurashtra Cricket (@saucricket) August 24, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara's contribution is difficult to match. An old school cricketer who flourished in the modern game, he conducted himself with dignity. Those willing to play Test cricket should follow his foot steps. @cheteshwar1
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara – the unsung hero of Indian cricket.A player who always put the team before himself, who gave not just a hundred percent but everything possible for India. Your contribution to Indian cricket is immense and will be remembered for a very, very long time.… pic.twitter.com/0YmpQnpr4E
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 24, 2025

How many runs did Cheteshwar Pujara score in tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 in test cricket.

When did Cheteshwar Pujara retire from Indian cricket?

Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from Indian cricket on 24th August, 2025.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.